Pike Place Market Blog

Meet the Entrepreneurial Women of Western Ave.

Meet the Entrepreneurial Women of Western Ave.

Posted October 12, 2016

With its awesome indie art galleries, delectable French bakery and forthcoming local flower company, Pike Place Market's stretch along Western Avenue is quietly becoming one of downtown's premier destinations for gift shopping, noshing, and even special event planning (brides-to-be, take note!). We've spotlighted five of Western Ave. businesses and asked the entrepreneurial women behind them why they chose to hang their shingles in Pike Place Market.

1516 Western Avenue

Brooke Westlund, Owner/Artist

For a firsthand glimpse into Brooke Westlund's creative procress, just drop by her gallery on Western Avenue. Chances are she's splattering color on an abstract painting, adding the final strokes on a Seattle skyline, or hanging up her latest commissioned mixed-media collage. In addition to selling her one-of-a-kind pieces, Brooke also offers painting classes for small groups right here in her studio―for your next Bachelorette party or girls night out, perhaps?

"I love being a part of the Market. Every day when I walk to my shop and unlock the door I have a gratitude moment in my head and remind myself: 'You have your own shop in Pike Place Market, you get to DO ART for a living.' Not for one minute do I take it for granted." ―Brooke

1500 Western Avenue

Elizabeth Bastoni, Co-owner

After 25 years of working, raising children and sending them off to college, Elizabeth Bastoni and her husband sat in their now empty home and thought to themselves, “What are we gonna do now?" Three things came to mind: spend more time with each other, bring people together and create art. Thus, Choukette éclair’art was born!

Lining the display case, like pieces of art in a gallery, is an assortment of éclairs ranging from lemon to pistachio to coffee. Every week until the end of the month Choukette will have a new featured flavor, with savory éclairs debuting in November. (Wedding tip: Ask about artfully arranged éclairs as an alternative to cake!)

"Pike Place Market is the perfect community for us to share our delicious, hand-crafted éclairs and pastries with guests who want to indulge and discover a traditional French dessert that has a whole new look! We love meeting other great business owners and especially enjoy spending time with the amazing women business owners on Western Ave."―Elizabeth

1520 Western Avenue

Jennifer Cullin, Owner/Artist

In her Western Avenue shop, The Paper Feather, Jennifer Cullin's cheerful creations decorate the shop from floor to ceiling. Original cards, paper products and colorful canvases beam with hand-scripted messages from "I love you" to "Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink in the wild air," all in her unique (and über cute) visual style. Be sure to ask about personalized stationary and custom design for weddings and special events.

"Being a part of Pike Place Market is such a unique opportunity. The people, the energy and beauty of the market makes me excited to come into work every day. I love creating new designs and decorations on a regular basis to keep things fresh and alluring to the community and tourists. I love my job!"―Jennifer

1518 Western Ave.

Molly Dilmore, Owner/Floral Designer

In mid-November, Pike Place Market welcomes a new storefront to Western Avenue, The Carrot Flower Company, specializing in custom seasonal arrangements with locally grown blooms for weddings, private events, weekly deliveries and everyday occasions. In addition to creating beautiful bouquets, Molly is excited to offer hands-on floral design workshops in the shop.

"I'm thrilled to be opening my first retail shop very soon, after a few years of designing wedding florals from home. Without the Pike Place Market, my longtime dream of running a storefront would not be possible - they are incredibly generous and supportive of small, independent business."―Molly

Look out for more info coming soon about The Carrot Flower Company's grand opening!

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